Space Center

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Bahamas Day 9 April 26^th Port Canaveral

 

Today we headed out to tour the Kennedy Space Center. I wasn’t entirely sure how excited I’d be. I’m not really a space buff, but even I know that Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s main launch site, not Texas or California. I knew Jay would be in his element and really enjoy the tour. Before joining the Fire Department, he worked at General Dynamics in San Diego on the Atlas booster. The Atlas booster is a powerful rocket stage originally built in the late 1950s, (Yeah, Jay had to explain that to me) He still remembers the day Scott Carpenter and John Glenn stopped by to see the preparations. In 1962 the Atlas booster launched John Glenn into orbit on the Friendship 7 mission.

 

When I was growing up in the sixties, everyone knew the astronauts’ names just as easily as we knew the ball players or movie stars. Armstrong, Glenn, Lovell, Shepard—they were true household names. We’d gather around the old black‑and‑white TV to watch the liftoffs, and it felt like the whole country paused for those moments. These days, people just don’t follow the space program the way they once did.

 

Life moves faster now, and our attention is splintered across countless distractions—from nonstop digital entertainment to the constant churn of news—making it harder for something like space exploration to command the same collective excitement it once did. Recent lunar missions like Artemis II have certainly boosted public interest, but they still don’t seem to match the excitement of the Apollo era.

 

I guess my most personal connection to the space heroes came from my brother Jay, who somehow ended up picking up John Glenn from the old Sacramento airport. The funny part is that he was only working a summer job at the California State Fair in the Art and Marketing Department. He was supposed to be designing posters and hauling display boards—not chauffeuring one of the nation’s most famous astronauts. But the day when Glenn arrived, every official or important person seemed to have vanished into thin air. Someone looked around, saw my brother standing there in his suit, and said, “You—go get Glenn.” And off he went. We even have a picture of him in a convertible, casually driving one of America’s most iconic astronauts around as if it were just another Tuesday.

 

I remember the big moments in space—like watching Neil Armstrong take that first step for mankind. I saw that monumental moment while I was cleaning a hotel room during my chambermaid days in Tahoe City. Just minutes later, I took a “giant step” of my own on a staircase, slipped with my mop bucket, and ended up in the Truckee emergency room to make sure nothing was broken.

 

Visiting the space center stirred up a whole pile of old memories—way more than I ever expected. And to my surprise, I absolutely loved the tour. After all, this is the place where real rockets blasted off, real astronauts trained, and real missions rewrite everything we thought we knew about the universe.

 

It was a good day, even though every exhibit was packed with tourists and it felt like all we did was wait — and I really hate waiting. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. But John F. Kennedy said it best in 1962: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do other things… not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”

 

The space center reminded me how far people can go when they dream big. Then, being back on the cruise ship reminded me how important it is to slow down, enjoy where you are, and appreciate the simple moments. Somehow the two experiences fit together perfectly — one lifting my eyes to the sky, the other bringing me gently back to earth.

 

We’re on a back‑to‑back cruise, which means a whole wave of new passengers just boarded for their first four‑day trip. God help us. At least our loud neighbors from the last leg are gone.

 

Ocean Cay

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Bahamas Day 8 April 25^th Ocean Cay

 

Today we’re visiting Ocean Cay, a small man‑made island in the Bahamas that has been transformed into MSC Cruises’ private marine reserve. It’s known for its powdery white‑sand beaches and stunning turquoise water. The island offers more than 75 acres of beaches and natural spaces, with calm, shallow areas perfect for swimming. There’s a long list of activities to enjoy—snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and guided nature walks. You’ll also find beach bars, dining options, and scenic walking trails to explore. This place is beautiful and truly was the best day of our cruise so far.

 

For years, cruises stopped at crowded ports and busy city centers, which often meant long lines and a day that didn’t feel very relaxing. Private islands changed that. They offer open beaches, a controlled environment, and a truly worry‑free day ashore. Cruise lines invest in them because they can manage the entire experience, avoid dock fees, and keep more guests spending onboard instead of losing it to local shops or outside tours. Even though these islands cost a lot to build, they end up being far more profitable. And the truth is, guests enjoy them too—they’re quieter, less crowded, more private, and built for comfort and relaxation.

 

Private islands take away some of that cultural interaction you get from visiting local towns and meeting people. But let’s be real—at a lot of ports, like Costa Maya, you’re not getting much authentic culture anyway. Even if you step off the ship, the whole area is built for tourists. Its shops, bars, and photo ops, not a true look at local life. So, while private islands cut out cultural experiences, many ports weren’t offering much of that to begin with.

 

Cruises are more of a vacation than a true travel experience. You’re usually not in one place long enough to dive into a new culture or spend real time with local people. It’s fun, relaxing, and easy—but it’s not the same as exploring a country on your own and really getting to know it. That said, cruises are still incredibly valuable because they give you a quick glimpse of a place—its scenery, its vibe, its highlights. Sometimes that little taste is exactly what inspires people to come back later for a longer, deeper visit as we have done in the past.

 

One of my favorite examples of the difference between travel and vacation comes from the movie City Slickers. Billy Crystal signs up for what he thinks will be a fun, relaxing cowboy getaway—only to discover it’s actually real ranch work. There’s that unforgettable moment where he’s being dragged across the dirt by a runaway cow, clinging to the rope and yelling, “I AM ON VACATION!”

It’s the perfect metaphor. We all love the idea of being adventurous, worldly travelers, but the truth is many of us just want a break—a simple vacation, not a life‑changing cattle drive.

 

A similar idea shows up in My Life in Ruins. The main character is a tour guide in Greece who is deeply passionate about Greek history. She wants her passengers to experience the richness of the culture, the stories, the meaning behind the Acropolis. But her tourists have different expectations. They’re in Greece, yes, but they’re looking for the simple joys of being away from home—an ice cream, a stupid fun souvenir, a moment to relax rather than another detailed lecture.

It’s a gentle reminder that not everyone seeks deep cultural immersion. Sometimes people just want a kitschy cheesy souvenir, a sweet treat, or a T‑shirt to take home—because, after all, they’re on vacation.

 

Together, these two films highlight an important truth: we love the idea of being bold travelers, but often what we really need is a break. Travel asks something of us. Vacation gives something back. On this trip Jay and I are on vacation.

 

Tomorrow we will take a tour of Cape Canaveral Kennedy Space Center.

 

At Sea

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Bahamas Day 7 April 24^th at Sea

 

It’s another Sea Day — yippie! Since I’m basically a seasoned MSC veteran now, here’s a fun fact: you’ll never find Deck 17 on this ship. MSC skips Deck 17 because it’s considered unlucky in Italian culture. In Roman numerals, 17 is XVII, which can be rearranged to VIXI — meaning “I have lived,” or more dramatically, “that’s the end of me.” Not exactly cruise‑vacation energy. So MSC avoids 17 entirely, just like many U.S. buildings skip the 13th floor. Superstition exists all around the world. I guess.

 

To get from our cabin on Deck 18 down to Deck 16 to our favorite cocktail hideaway, the Top Sail Lounge, we usually take the stairs. But once you crack the code, the elevators are just as effortless. You just tap your wristband against the panel like you’re unlocking a secret level, pick your deck, and let the ship do the rest. These elevators are smart—almost too smart. Step inside and there’s nothing to press, so you feel a bit lost, but they already know who you are, where you are going and whether you’re even allowed to be there. And if you’re not meant to go there… well, you might find yourself mysteriously redirected to Deck 17 instead. (that was a joke) Of course they don’t always work the way they are supposed to but impressive just the same.

 

Today is overcast and that’s ok cause we had quite a bit of sun yesterday. I decided it was time to test my luck and head down to Deck 7. That’s where the casino is, the lucky seven deck. Since it was a sea day, the place was wide open and buzzing. When a ship is in port or too close to land, the casino must stay closed, which is why sea days are prime time for anyone to strike a little luck.

 

Seven has always had that “lucky” reputation. It shows up everywhere: the Seven Wonders of the World, seven colors in the rainbow, seven continents, seven seas—seven dwarfs. But today, it wasn’t lucky seven for me. It was more like unlucky seventeen, and I walked away empty‑handed. Still, as the seasoned players like to say, “I had fun.” Though, let’s be honest—winning is always a lot more fun than losing.

In the afternoon the staff hosted an exclusive tea party for Yacht Club guests in the Top Sail Lounge. It wasn’t as fancy as the one we had on the Queen Mary last year, but it was beautifully presented by our wait staff in white gloves — a hilarious contrast to the memory of them absolutely letting loose on the dance floor the night before.

The offerings were exactly what you’d expect: scones, mini cakes, cucumber sandwiches with the crusts naturally trimmed off, and those tiny dainty puff‑ball things you pop in your mouth and immediately wonder, What exactly did I just eat? Everything was cute, petite, and very much in the category of things we would never bother making at home. I briefly wished they’d roll out their famous pizza, but I know probably wouldn’t be fittin. Like Mammy (Gone with the Wind) would say, “Just not fittin, just not fittin”. And yes, there was tea. Lots of different kinds although most people opted for champagne or wine because, well, it was 4:00 O’clock. The little petite goodies were surprisingly filling, so no dinner is required tonight.

The evening’s entertainment in the theater was called The Journey. It was a musical voyage by train through places like France, Spain, and Italy — all told through music, acrobatics, and song and dance. The whole thing was surprisingly unique, using technology, set design, and lighting to create seamless visual transitions that actually made it feel like you were traveling from country to country. It was impressive.

 

Tomorrow we will be at Ocean Cay, MSCs private Island.

 

Costa Maya

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Bahamas Day 6 April 23^rd Costa Maya

 

Costa Maya is the second‑largest cruise port in Mexico, right behind Cozumel. It’s jokingly called “Costa Maybe” because high winds sometimes cause ships to cancel port stops at the last minute, gifting everyone an extra sea day whether they wanted one or not.

 

Most people like us book cruises for the onboard fun: the food, the shows, but for plenty of travelers, the destinations matter just as much. So, when a port gets canceled, emotions can rise faster than the tide.

 

That’s what happened aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Spirit in 2019. We weren’t on that cruise but heard all about it. That sailing went down in cruise‑history as the legendary “mutiny cruise.” After multiple ports were canceled, thanks to weather and operational stuff, passengers collectively hit their breaking point. It was reported that hundreds gathered in the atrium chanting, “Refund! Refund! Refund!” I am not sure how it turned out.

 

Today we were torn between three options: splurge on a private luxury beach club, wander around the port, or just enjoy another relaxing day on the ship. The port is beautiful but very touristy with shops everywhere, tequila and chocolate tastings, two huge free pools, tons of restaurants, even a bird aviary. It’s fun, but it fills up fast. And since we already spent plenty of time browsing those same shops last year, we weren’t exactly eager for a repeat.

 

The beach club sounded fabulous… until we remembered that spring is peak sargassum season. And sargassum is basically seaweed—not great to look at, not great to smell, and definitely not something you want to swim in. That made the decision pretty easy, ship day it is.

 

I did a lot of research on this MSC Seashore ship before we sailed, but nothing really prepares you for how big it actually is. It’s huge, about 5,600 passengers, more than 2,200 cabins, ten restaurants, and twenty bars. It’s easily the biggest ship we’ve ever been on.

 

The best way to describe the ship would be to say it is a modern, stylish resort at sea. It’s built for people who love ocean views, outdoor areas, and, since it’s an Italian ship, it has a bit of European flair. Everything feels new, shiny, and bold. One of the flashiest features is the crystal staircase in the atrium. It’s basically a sparkly staircase with clear steps filled with crystals. When you walk on it, the light hits the crystals and makes the whole thing glitter like a giant piece of jewelry.

 

I can report food so far has been ok. We’re not foodies by any stretch, but we’ve enjoyed the filet mignon, and pasta. Nor are we big seafood eaters—aside from our favorite, crab, lobster and salmon—so I can’t really comment on the branzino with lemon butter sauce, seafood linguine, or some of the more adventurous options like beef carpaccio, octopus salad, or tuna tartare. They look interesting, we’re just not the type to branch out that far.

 

People we met poolside warned us that the specialty restaurants were hit or miss. We tried Hola Tacos the other night and, for us, that one was a miss. Another miss would be the Sushi Bar — not because it’s bad, but because we’re just not big sushi people. Plus, the whole conveyor‑belt setup gives me flashbacks to that I Love Lucy episode where she’s frantically stuffing chocolates in her mouth and hat just to keep up. I don’t need that kind of performance pressure at dinner.

 

There is also a specialty seafood restaurant Ocean Cay that boasts they have the freshest seafood on board. Our Yacht Club restaurant already serves plenty of seafood, so paying extra feels unnecessary. Also, if Ocean Cay is ‘the freshest’, I’m trying not to think too hard about what that implies about the Yacht Club’s seafood. And last is the Teppanyaki restaurant that always puts on a great show, knife juggling, food flying but, in our experience, the food rarely lives up to the entertainment. Besides, some lady is always hogging the soy sauce at the other end of the table. But hands down the best hit is the pizza! MSC an Italian ship really does the best pizza at sea. That makes sense cause if anybody knows how to make Pizza it’s the Italians.

 

After a few slices of pizza, we made our way to the White‑Hot Party on the pool deck — hands down the best party we’ve ever been to on a cruise. The DJ was blasting every crowd‑pleaser you can think of while the staff — concierges, butlers, cabin attendants, waiters, bartenders — all lined up and danced for a full hour. It was wildly fun watching them step out of their usual prim‑and‑proper roles and absolutely own the dance floor.

 

Tomorrow is a sea day, and the forecast says rain, which is fine, because today we soaked up enough sun to last us a while. At this point we’re tan, fed, and relaxed, emphasis on fed.

 

 

Cozumel

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Bahamas Day 5 Cozumel Wednesday April 22^nd

 

Today we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico. We have visited here many times over the years, and although the island has changed, it still holds its own unique charm. The water is an unreal shade of turquoise, the breeze is warm and gentle, and stepping into the sea water temperature is said to be like a perfectly heated bath. Of course, that beauty draws a crowd. With cruise ships bringing an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 passengers into port each day, the streets can turn chaotic—people rushing to tequila tastings, hunting for souvenirs, or eyeing “authentic” cigars that are anything but. Still, Cozumel stays a fantastic destination if you love scuba diving, snorkeling, water sports, or getting a close look at Mayan culture.

 

Today we were planning to stay on the ship since 90% of the passengers head ashore, the ship turns wonderfully peaceful. Then reality hit: we still needed our 10,000 steps… and Jay needed socks. So, we hopped off, figuring it was easier to walk on land than to take endless laps around the decks. I know what you’re thinking, “You came all the way to Mexico to buy socks …you guys really know how to have a good time”.

 

But ask yourself: have you ever been to a Mega Soriana in Cozumel? Most people haven’t — and honestly, it should count as an excursion. Mega is like Walmart, but better: cleaner, wide aisles, no one hustling you like in the tourist shops, and stocked with everything from beach towels to fresh tortillas… and yes, socks. If I ever write another travel book, I’ll absolutely include a trip to Mega. That’s real cultural immersion. Sure, they don’t have a ‘Swim with the Dolphins’ package, but wandering about in a local supermarket tells you more about a town than any choreographed outing ever will. We even checked out all by ourselves — just as easy as self‑checkout at Walmart. Well… except for the moment Jay didn’t put the socks in the bag, and the machine refused to let us pay. So, we had to call over the man to help us but hey, that happens at Walmart too.

 

We thought about spending the day in Playa del Carmen, but realized we’d be too rushed. It’s a 45‑minute ferry ride from Cozumel, and as much as we love Playa — it’s one of our favorite places in Mexico — today just wasn’t the day to squeeze it in. On our first visit to Playa del Carmen, it had this wonderfully laid‑back, local feel. Over the years it’s evolved, as great places often do, and it’s now a vibrant, in‑demand destination. These days you’ll find luxury shopping, stylish bars, and more high‑end restaurants and the abundance of tourists.

 

I still have such great memories from our last trip. We met two guys from Pennsylvania, and somehow the four of us ended up in this tiny restaurant that basically felt like someone’s living room, maybe five tables total. “The food was incredible — you can never go wrong with “Tacos al pastor.”.

 

One of the guys had what I thought was a cool job: he worked in project development for Crayola. His whole world revolved around creating and naming crayon colors. He told us Crayola has made more than 200 colors over the years, with about 175 still in rotation. And apparently the most popular box they sell is the one with 152 crayons with crazy wild names like Jazz berry, Radical Red, and Canary.  Just to show how much things change, when I was ten, I had the starter box of ten crayons, and the names were literally just Blue, Red, Yellow. That was it. Anyway, from where I’m stretched out on the sundeck overlooking Cozumel, the water is pure Cerulean Blue—a shade that, incidentally, is the name of a crayon, probably invented by the guy we met.

 

After our big shopping adventure, we spent the afternoon by the pool — and in the pool — chatting with other passengers. The weather was warm, the kind of warm where you suddenly appreciate every cloud that drifts in front of the sun. We grabbed lunch at the Grill by the pool, but the selections were… interesting. Not burgers, dogs and fries but pasta, chicken, and pork chops that are not exactly lounger‑friendly. That’s the kind of lunch you eat sitting upright at a table with a napkin tucked in, not half‑reclined by the pool trying not to drop a pork chop on your swimsuit.

 

Tonight’s show was the comedian Azeem with a set called, “I Am Just Serious”. We decided to skip it. In our experience, cruise‑ship comedy is… not great. They’re always trying to play on both sides, terrified of offending anyone, and the result is a string of tired, lukewarm jokes that land with a thud. Half the time I feel bad for the comedian because nobody’s laughing, and the other half I feel bad for myself because I am sitting through it. So yes — “I Am Just Serious” and we didn’t go.

 

Tomorrow we are in Costa de Maya.

Sea Day

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Tuesday April 21st Our First Sea Day

 

We’re now on day three of our cruise and between dinner, cocktail hour, and the evening shows, we’ve a met, a few fellow passengers. After taking more than a couple dozen cruises over the years, I’ve started to notice a pattern—there are certain “types” who always seem to appear, no matter the ship, the itinerary, or the ocean.

 

There are the social butterflies—the ones who look forward to chatting with strangers and somehow know everyone by day two. Then, there are the shy, quiet types who just want to be left alone with a book, expertly avoiding crowds and keeping to themselves. You’ve also got the party people: first at the bar, last to leave, always with a drink in hand. And of course, the foodies—those who plan their entire day around meals and have strong opinions about bread.  And let’s not forget the passengers whose outfits suggest they got dressed in the dark — plus the boldly confident ones who clearly believe the world deserves a generous, front‑row view of their low necklines. They make you smile, shake your head, and enjoy the spectacle. Honestly, a cruise just wouldn’t feel the same without them.”

 

Oh, a quick note about our neighbors. They are definitely party people. We ended up next door to what might be the most enthusiastic {loud} couple on the ship. They love their deck, they love having their friends over, and they love a good, hearty laugh. I am sure they are fun people… but I am just as sure they probably will not be our new best friends.

 

Today, like most sea days, there’s a whole buffet of things to do besides going to the buffet. And honestly, that’s why I love sea days. You’ve got the freedom to do whatever strikes you in the moment… or to do absolutely nothing at all, which is sometimes the real luxury. Today we did our predicted list of things, reading a book, having a Bloody Mary at 9 O’clock in the morning and being lazy.

 

We poked our heads into the 11a.m. cocktail party on the pool deck, where there were a handful of our fellow passengers lurking about — mainly because the weather is, in a word, crummy. Not cold, not dramatic… just that special brand of overcast, gray, vaguely‑moist yuck that drives people indoors to drink.

 

Tonight is Gala Night, which is basically the ship’s polite way of saying, “Hey folks, maybe try looking like you own a pair of real pants”. It’s not formal‑formal, but definitely a strong nudge toward smart casual — which, in plain English, means don’t be ridiculous. Put on long pants and leave the flip‑flops in your cabin. Of course, people will still do whatever they want. That’s just the era we live in. Jay and I will do our best to be smart and blend in.

 

Because it’s Gala Night, the restaurant rolled out the fancy stuff — filet mignon and lobster. I’m not a huge lobster eater, but I went for it anyway because, let’s be honest, lobster screams ‘special occasion,’ and we’re on a cruise.  It was pretty good. It’s amazing what a pound of melted butter can do. Naturally, we followed it up with crepe suzette.

 

After dinner we headed to the show, Rock Royalty — which basically means they hit us with all the classics: ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot,’ ‘We Are the Champions,’ ‘We Will Rock You’. The audience was all in, with plenty of people standing, singing, and fully living their rock‑star moment as Jay nodded off.

 

Tomorrow we will be in Cozumel, hopefully find some sun.

From the MSC Seashore

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Bahamas Day 3 Nassau

 

Today we arrived in Nassau, Bahamas. Nassau is one of the 700 islands that make up the Bahamas, and as the capital, it’s home to nearly 70% of the country’s population. It’s undeniably beautiful, with turquoise water and colorful buildings, but it also attracts a lot of tourists. As soon as the ships dock, crowds spill onto the main street, eager to browse the duty‑free shops, diamond boutiques, and luxury stores in hopes of scoring a deal. Good luck with that.

 

We’ve been to Nassau a few times before during quick cruise stopovers, but years ago we spent two full weeks in Freeport—a wonderfully laid‑back, sun‑drenched island where the biggest daily decision was “beach now or beach later.” It was blissfully stress‑free… right up until the morning we woke to find our bedroom floor has a couple inches of water thanks to a burst water pipe. The landlords moved us, of course, but let’s just say the new place had a lot less “island charm” but at least it was dry.

 

On past visits to Nassau, we always remembered the white‑gloved traffic policemen standing proudly in their little wooden booths, blowing whistles like they were conducting a symphony and directing cars with impressively crisp hand signals. But on today’s walkabout, that whole charming tradition seems to have disappeared, replaced by modern traffic lights doing the job with far less flair. Things always seem to change, don’t they.

 

We skipped the organized tours today and decided to explore at our own pace. Today’s walkabout we deliberately stepped out of the tourist bubble, venturing into the real Nassau, the part behind the curtain. There the streets were old, crumbling worn down and clearly in need of help. We know from our travels every destination has two sides, the one polished for the visitor with the diamonds and Gucci bags and the one shaped by the people who actually live there. The truth of a place probably is the one found in the cracks.  Speaking of cracks, the city center is walkable, until you wander past it. Then you are walking on rubble and on narrow roads. We had to hold our breath for passing buses and politely step over and around napping dogs.

 

On an earlier trip here, we went to the Atlantis resort which is much more than a hotel and casino. It is a massive, over‑the‑top tropical playground, complete with pink towers, lagoons, and a sprawling water park.  It was on that trip we went snorkeling in the warm, clear waters and took a boat ride past the homes of Oprah Winfrey and Nicolas Cage. Unsurprisingly, neither of them popped out to wave.

We’re not big souvenir shoppers, so we didn’t return to the ship with diamonds or fancy straw bags. But we did snag a slice of rum cake from a free sample tray—hard to resist, especially since the Bahamas are famous for it. Our other must‑do stop was a beachfront café, where we sipped a Bahama Mama and soaked in the ocean view. The drink mixes rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine, and it was named after Dottie Lee Anderson, a Bahamian calypso dancer who rose to popularity in the 1930s.

 

Back on the ship, for dinner we headed to the specialty Mexican restaurant, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina. Specialty is code for you pay extra for it. It was a bright, casual spot that had a reputation of serving ‘delish’ Mexican and Latin American street‑food favorites—tacos, nachos, quesadillas, churros, and of course, margaritas.  We didn’t think the meal was all that ‘delish’, although impressed by the selection of hot sauces which were definitely needed to spice things up.

 

After finishing our guacamole and carne asada tacos, we headed to the theatre to see “Encore”. This show featured Broadway style hits from big musicals like Westside Story, Phantom of the Opera, Cats and more. And don’t worry, I made sure to choose a seat far, far away from the Diva singing in my ear last night. I don’t know what she would have done if they sang “Do you hear the people Sing”, a voluntary anthem from Les Miserable that is a rallying cry for the people who feel oppressed and want to rise up together.

 

After the show we grabbed a nightcap at the Yacht Club bar and listened to a few great piano tunes. Returning to our cabin there was an invitation inviting us to a special officer’s cocktail party tomorrow morning at 11AM. Seriously, who throws a cocktail party at 11AM? Makes you wonder who’s steering the ship and how many Bloody Mary’s they have had. But hey, we like Bloody Mary’s so maybe we will go.